Intro: Welcome to the E6S-Methods podcast with Jacob and Aaron, your source for expert advice on Lean, Six Sigma, and performance improvement methods. In this episode number 42, we introduce the simple, yet extremely effective technique that belongs in every practitioner’s tool box, the Process Flow Diagram. Key Takeaway: Diamonds are expensive- Simplify Your Decisions. Here we go.

***Diamonds are Expensive! – Simplify Your Decisions***

I Process Flow Diagram (PFD)

a. Purpose Visualize stepwise flow of a process & rework steps

b. Team Exercise, with the SME/Front-line Workers (Doers)

c. Use to begin to understand Actual “As-is” process (Baseline)

i. This tool exposes 60% of the problems in a process

1. What they thought it was/How it’s documented

2. How it actually is, with rework, bypass & work-arounds.

3. How it should be

d. Not the same as a Detailed Process Map (often mixed up). Leads into the Detailed Process Map, which has Inputs & Outputs listed for each process Step (plus more info). Separate Episode.

e. Sometimes shown in Swim Lanes, also known as a “Deployment Process Map”

II PFD Shapes

a. Ellipse (Start & End),

b. Diamond (Decision),

c. Rectangle (Process Step)

III Dangers

a. Very large processes get complicated & take a long time

b. Impatience & Disbelief from managers/supervisors (exposing what they didn’t know)

Outro: Thanks for listening to episode 42 of the E6S-Methods Podcast. Stay tuned for episode number 43 where we break into the Detailed Process Map, and share our personal preferences and best practices. Subscribe to past and future episodes on iTunes or stream us live on-demand with Stitcher Radio. Have an idea for an episode? Contact us! Follow us on twitter @e6sindustries. Join a discussion on LinkedIn. Find outlines and graphics for all shows and more at www.E6S-Methods.com. “Journey Through Success”